Abdominal supporter



(No Model.)

R. H. BENSON. ABDOMINAL SUPPORTER. No. 245,932. Patented Aug. 23,1881.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

RUTH H. BENSON, OF BINGHAMTON, NEW YORK.

ABDOMINAL SUPPORTER.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 245,932, dated August 23, 1881.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, RUTH H. BENSON, of the city of Bin ghamton, in the county of Broome and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Anatomical Abdominal Supporters; and I do hereby declare that the following is a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, which will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, and

to the letters of reference marked thereon,

which form a part of this specification.

In the drawings, Figure 1 represents a front perspective of my improved anatomical abdominal supporter adjusted to the form of the wearer. Fig. 2 represents a detail plan view of the same unadjusted and spread out, so as to show all the parts. Fig. 3 represents the three front sections not joined, but in their relative positions, showing the bias and shape of each piece. Fig. 4: represents the two side sections in their relative positions to each other, but detached from the intermediate sections, which otherwise would occupy the contracted space between them, and shows the peculiar conformation of each; and Fig. 5 shows the central section.

I call my invention by the name of anatomical because in the peculiar conformation and combination of its central parts it is specially adapted to the organic structure of the human body, as the same is demonstrated by physiological analysis.

My invention is specially designed to be worn by females both as a preventive and also as a means of cure for the not uncommon difficulty or disease known as prolapsus uteri, or falling of the womb.

The body of the support is divided into five I distinct and separate sections united by seams, to wit: A, the front and central section, B B the front right and left sections adjacent to section A, and O G the hip and back sections. The center section, A, is made of double thickness, thereby securing a firmness made necessary by the rounded form of the body and its corresponding expansion and contraction caused by breathing and muscular action. The adjacent sections B B are cut from the lower point, a, to their lower outer corners, b

Application filed May 10, 1861.

(No model.)

12, upon a bias, and their outer edge obliquely from b to c, as shown in the drawings. Sections 0 O are cut with corresponding oblique edge from b to c, and with lower edge biasing from b to d, soas to conform to the natural shape of the wearer, fitting easily but securely over the hips.

Attached to the back edge of each section 0 O are two extension-pieces, m or, which pass around the lumbar region, and are secured at or near the sides of section A by any suitable means. To preserve the smoothness of the pieces and prevent their crossing each other, one of the sections is provided with two orifices, e 6, through which the extension-pieces froming the other corresponding section pass. The extension-pieces form and are essential parts of the main body of my improved anatomical supporter, being designed to regulate the size'of the support and to assist in preserving an equality of draft, so as to secure a uniform pressure. Two other attachments, z z, complete my invention. These are also cut on the bias to correspond with, and by seam are secured to, the biased edges 1 i of sections 0 G, from which points they pass under and around the limb of the wearer, and are secured at or near the lower corners of section A, thereby forming a support to the entire pelvic region. These several extension-pieces and attachments or as and z 2 may be secured in any convenient manner, either by ties, buttons, or buckles, buckles, however, being shown in the drawings by n n.

My supporter is thus capable of adjustment to fit different sizes and forms. Suitable loops, 1 1, through which the extension-pieces w 00 pass, serve to hold them in place.

By the peculiar shape and arrangement of 0 Warmth to that portion of the body covered by it, which is a nourishment and great aid as a curative in cases of the disease and Weakness mentioned.

In the manufacture of my improved supporter sections, A and B B may consist of one piece, as shown in Fig. 5, so cut as to conform to these sections when sewed together, in'which case the central portion, (represented bysection A) is supported by additional thickness of fabric, one or more, as may be desired.

Having thus described my invention, I claim-- The supporter herein described, consisting of the sections A, B, and O, the duplex sets of straps x 00, secured to the back edge of one of the sections 0, passing through an aperture, Z, in the other section 0, and buckled upon the outside front at n, and the perineal straps z 2, all arranged, constructed, and combined to operate as and for the purposes herein set forth.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my own I have hereto atfixed my signature in presence of two Witnesses.

RUTH H. BENSON.

Witnesses R. H. DUELL, A. L. KNIGHT. 

